Century old Decorah school faces wrecking ball

A century-old school building in Decorah will need a lot of help to avoid the wrecking ball. The Decorah school board had decided to demolish the 109-year-old eastside school. The building was closed in 1999 due to fire safety concerns. At a meeting Monday night, the board heard from several residents who want to preserve the structure, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic places.

A committee is asking the school board for more time to raise funds to renovate the building so it can be used for an arts and education center. However, the Decorah school board noted that a consultant indicated it would be difficult to raise the money at this time. The board then voted to tear down the old school.